Saturday, December 23, 2006

More pix of floods in the town of Segamat in the southern Malaysian state of Johor, courtesy of Denise's friend.

It's heartwarming to read that some non-governmental organisations from Singapore have started work in Malaysia to help flood victims there on Christmas Eve. But more help is needed to help the Malaysians cope with the disaster.

From Channelnewsasia:Non-governmental organisations from Singapore started work in Malaysia on Sunday to help flood victims there. More than 80,000 people have been displaced in the worst flooding Malaysia has faced in a century. Five days after the flood, villagers in Johor are still being evacuated to dry ground. There are still areas which are cut off by the road and are accessible only by boat or helicopter.

One of the worst hit areas in the Johor state is Muar, where close to 19 000 people were affected. Villagers in the area have set up makeshift homes in schools and stadiums. One sports hall, for example, has been home to over 1,800 people in the last few days.

Dr Jemilah Mahmood, President, Mercy Malaysia, said: "The local authorities and their local government have actually done quite well to ensure they get enough food and the basic needs but the critical area is water because a lot of the pumps are now flooded and therefore they have no proper piped-in water being supplied."

To alleviate the situation, Mercy Relief Singapore is working with Mercy Malaysia to distribute 100 water filtration systems.

Mercy Relief Singapore has also distributed 2,000 hygiene kits, which includes items like toothbrush and shampoo.

Helping to transport the items were Land Rover enthusiasts from Singapore.

Frederick Foo, Executive Director, Mercy Relief, said: "We have a team of six men on the ground here and they are here to support Mercy Malaysia. The team leader will also be conducting assessments and he will be giving us daily seed wraps, from there we'll decide on how the situation has either improved or requires more help."

The Singapore Red Cross has also sent a team of nine volunteers and over S$10,000 worth of food and relief items to flood victims.

The situation on the ground is improving everyday and it is believed that the flood waters will subside in about a week's time as long as it does not rain. - CNA/ch Donations can be made to Mercy Malaysiain the form of crossed cheques:Malaysian Medical Relief Society (MERCY Malaysia) - Reg. no. 1155No. 45B Jalan Mamanda 9Ampang Point 68000 Ampang Selangor Malaysia Tel: +603 4256 9999 Email: donation@mercy.org.my